Apple and Amazon Drop Dispute Over App Store Name

The on-again, off-again battle between Apple and Amazon over the use of the term "app store" has finally come to a (peaceful) close. As reported by Reuters, Apple has decided to withdraw its lawsuit against Amazon, with the online retailer also deciding to drop its counter-claim against Cupertino. The dispute first began in 2011.

A U.S. District Judge in Oakland dismissed the case on Tuesday, citing both companies' requests to drop the lawsuit. The issue centered around Amazon's opening of its online Amazon Appstore for Android in 2011. Apple opened its own App Store--two words--back in July 2008.

"We no longer see a need to pursue our case," said Apple representative Kristin Huguet. "With more than 900,000 apps and 50 billion downloads, customers know where they can purchase their favorite apps."

An Amazon spokesperson said the company was "gratified" the court had dismissed the lawsuit. Amazon had repeatedly claimed Apple's case was frivolous, citing examples where both former CEO Steve Jobs and current Apple Chief Tim Cook had referred to competing mobile marketplaces as "app stores."

Matt Clark is a freelance writer covering the world of videogames, tech, and popular culture. Follow him on Twitter @ClarkMatt and MyIGN at Matt_Clark.